Summer onion cultivation thrives in Faridpur

Saltha Upazila in Faridpur, often referred to as the capital of onions, has ventured into summer onion cultivation on an experimental basis, utilizing approximately 10 acres of land this year. Traditionally known for jute and onions, Saltha is currently in jute season. However, many farmers have chosen to experiment with summer onions.

Field observations reveal a mixed outcome for this initiative. While onion sets have not been successful, seed-sown onions are flourishing in the fields. These thriving plants have begun forming bulbs at their bases, offering a glimmer of hope to several local farmers. Yet, not all farmers have been fortunate. Some, like Arun, Motaleb, Noyon, and Selim, report disappointment as their onion plants have perished, leaving fields barren and causing potential losses. Despite this setback, they continue to nurture their seed-sown onions, which are showing promising growth and are expected to be ready for harvest in about 20 to 21 days.

These farmers, who usually focus on winter onion cultivation, decided to try their hand at summer onions this year. The success of the seed-sown onions has encouraged them to seek better practices for future cultivation, with aspirations to expand their summer onion farming next year.

Sudip Biswas, the Additional Agricultural Officer of Faridpur Upazila, shared insights into the experimental cultivation. He confirmed that while some fields have thrived, others, particularly those with standing water, have not yielded good results. Biswas emphasized the importance of sandy-loam soil for summer onion cultivation and recommended sowing seeds over planting sets during this season. His observations highlight the need for optimal soil conditions and proper cultivation techniques to achieve better yields.

Overall, the experimental summer onion cultivation in Saltha Upazila has shown potential despite challenges. The farmers’ experiences and learnings from this year will be crucial in refining their approach and improving future harvests, fostering a stronger onion farming community in the region. This year’s trials have provided valuable insights and the community is optimistic about the prospects of enhancing summer onion production with better knowledge and practices.